Cole, Fuller pace Iowa men in final exhibition

Iowa’s final opponent canceled so the Hawkeyes played only three games in Europe, finished 2-1. Here’s the game story from today’s game in Greece, courtesy of Iowa associate sports information director Steve Roe:

ATHENS, GREECE — The University of Iowa pulled away in the fourth quarter to take an 85-72 win over the Dukas Club team in its third exhibition game. The Hawkeyes end the tour with a 2-1 record. A fourth game scheduled for Sunday had to be cancelled due to the club team opponent ending their season and not being available.

Against Dukas, Iowa used a 26-14 scoring advantage in the fourth period to pull away. Aaron Fuller connected on back-to-back three-point baskets to key Iowa’s scoring spurt to close the game. His first trey gave Iowa a 62-61 advantage. Cole followed Fuller’s spurt with a jumper and Devan Bawinkel added a three-pointer to give the Hawkeyes some breathing room.

Dukas featured a seven-foot center that dominated play early, as the host team built a six point advantage at the end of the first period. Iowa held a 25-16 advantage in the second period and held a 42-39 halftime after advantage after Devan Bawinkel hit a three-point shot just before the end of the period.

The third period was even before Iowa pulled away over the final 10 minutes. Iowa was able to secure the win, despite a 31-13 disadvantage in free throw attempts. Iowa shot 53.2% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range. Iowa made 9-13 free throw attempts, compared to 17-31 for Dukas.

Led by Cole and Fuller, Iowa dominated the rebounding by a 40-25 margin. Fuller had 14 rebounds and Cole collected 11. Cole led Iowa’s scoring with 27 points, hitting 12-of-16 field goal attempts. Fuller added 19 points, hitting 7-9 field goals. Anthony Tucker scored 16 and Matt Gatens led the team with seven assists.

“I was pleased with the way we battled today,” said Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter. “This was the best team we played, and I think we played our best basketball. We had good balance inside and outside, with Jarryd and Aaron really being aggressive with their inside play. We shot the ball better today, and that’s tough when you have been on the road and haven’t practiced.”

With the cancellation of Sunday’s game, the Hawkeyes end the tour with a 2-1 record. “I think we improved and grew in a number of ways,” added Lickliter about the three games. The entire trip has been outstanding, but we have also really seen some growth from these seven guys and their play since the end of the season.”

The contest vs. the Dukas Club team was played in front of a crowd of young students who cheered the home team during the game, yet gathered around the Hawkeye players for autographs and handshakes when the game was completed.